Drone Buyers Beware: The FCC’s Ban Leaves a Gray Sky Over the Market

The FCC’s drone ban has left consumers confused: Are DJI drones banned or not? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has prohibited imports of new drones from Chinese-based companies like DJI, Autel Robotics, and HoverAir, but existing drones remain legal to own and operate in the U.S. This creates a murky landscape for hobbyists evaluating product availability and legal risks.

Under FCC rules, all drones must pass security reviews for radio frequency components to be sold in the U.S. However, the agency exempted drones on the Department of Commerce’s Blue UAS list from the ban.

This exemption provides a narrow window for approved models but leaves most Chinese-manufactured drones in legal limbo.

Gray-market imports of unapproved drones pose significant legal risks. The FCC warns that "unauthorized devices may interfere with critical communications and public safety systems." Hobbyists who purchase such drones risk fines or confiscation, as enforcement of these rules remains unclear.

The future of DJI’s U.S. sales hinges on U.S.-China relations. While the Commerce Department’s proposed ban on existing drones was shelved, policy shifts could still disrupt the market.

As one industry analyst noted, "DJI’s position in the U.S. is tied to the geopolitical chessboard—every Trump-Xi summit could reshape the rules."